Photo Blog: Gurudwara Dera Sahib, Lahore (Pakistan)
by Devika Mittal (India)
Gurudwara Dera Sahib is situated in Lahore, Pakistan. When I and my friend tried to enter the Gurudwara, we were stopped. We were told that “Muslims are not allowed”. On sharing that we are Hindus, we were immediately asked, “Where are you from?” We replied that we are from India. With a continuous glance of suspicion, we were asked if we are carrying our passports. We were allowed inside the Gurudwara once we submitted our passports to the caretakers of the Gurudwara.
Here are some photos capturing the story of the Gurudwara.
Gurudwara Dera Sahib is located opposite Lahore Fort and next to Badshahi Masjid. Infact, it is clearly visible from the Badshahi Masjid.
Gurudwara Dera Sahib has been constructed in the memory of 5th Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev ji. The Gurudwara is believed to have been built on the exact spot where he was tortured and was martyred in 1606 CE. This platform was originally built by Guru Hargobind Singh ji but was demolished. In 1884, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, known as “Sher e Panjab”, the ruler of Lahore built a gurudwara in the memory of Guru Arjan Dev ji. It came to be known as Gurudwara Dera Sahib.
This is the place where he was tortured. A shrine has been constructed at this spot.
After the torture, Guru Arjan Dev ji is believed to have gone to River Ravi and disappeared. This site marks his route towards martyrdom.
A photo of the Gurudwara where the pious Adi Grant is placed.
Here is the photo of Maharaja Ranjit Singh who is regarded as “Sher e Panjab”. His samadhi is also located in the Gurudwara complex.
Gurudwara Dera Sahib is one of the holiest places for Sikhs around the world. Every year, thousands of Sikhs from India visit Gurudwara Dera Sahib.
Have something to contribute to the story? Please share in comments.
Devika Mittal is convener (India) of Aaghaz-e-Dosti. She is a PhD student of Sociology at Delhi University. She tweets at @devikasmittal
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Posted on June 1, 2017, in Articles, Photo Blogs and tagged Gurudwara Dera Sahib, Sikh history, Sikh religious places in Pakistan, Sikhism in Pakistan. Bookmark the permalink. 5 Comments.
Aaghaz-e-Dosti 
really appreciate your love dear…. m also lie in lahore and now strongly desire to dera sahib….i will try to go their ..i want to talk to you some about indian places such as nizam u din …
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my mail adress .(zuhaibfarooqi@yahoo.com) plz contact if you want to share your experience
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I jst loved to go through your blog.. Bcos of it, I am able to see the various parts of the holy place with so clear n systematic description. But it really made me sad to discover that you, with your frnds were stopped jst on the grounds of Relegion. They were taking you as Muslims. How sad!! What kind of world is this.. Where we are bound to see each other with so much suspicion.. Doubts.!!! Here I wanna tell evryone that Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji never discrimated anyone.. One of his disciple was Muslim..named MARDANA.. And he used to be his favorite disciple.
Are we following his footsteps….???
May be it is for security reasons.. But still it HURTS.
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Thanks.. I am glad you liked it 🙂 and i agree… it is indeed sad that we have failed to create an environment of harmony.
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Let’s keep trying.. We will truly not fail until we give up.
ALL the best for your evry effort in this regard and I support you wholeheartedly on this mission #indopak PEACE
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